Maria- The HeroBy: Alex, Ashley, and Shannon Our favorite part of the book begins on page 304, the start of chapter 9. It is in "After the Bugles" and describes Maria's bravery and her loyalty to her friends,and the strength within her heart, no matter what color skin they are. After fighting in the war, on their way home Josh, Muley, and Ramon encountered some new friends to travel back to their homes with. Ocie Quitman and his son, Aaron Provost and his wife and kids, Dent Sessum, and widow Heather Winslow. Since all of their cabins were burned by the Mexicans but Ramon's, they all agree to help each other rebuild. While the 6 men go to Hopeful Valley to rebuild for Quitman and Aaron Provost, the women and kids stay at Ramon's until their houses are done.While the women do regular housework, the kids play outside in the fields. Maria watches them, and sees that they have gone very far away from the house. A little too far. Suddenly, Maria and Heather notice the children running toward the oldest Provost boy, Daniel. He lifts the girls on a horse and quickly pushes them toward the house. The other children begin running too, but they are closer. Daniel and Quitman's boy Patrick are the farthest out. The women grab rifles and race toward the fields. The girls make it to the house, and Maria and Heather take their horse and begin riding toward the other children. The 2nd group of kids make it to Maria and Heather, and Heather mounts and takes them to the house. Now all that aren't safe is Daniel Provost, Patrick Quitman, and Maria. And of course the deathly Indians galloping toward them. They were Comanches- smelling blood. Even though the Indians were gaining on the boys Maria didn't stop. Neither boy was hers, or her skin color. She just had to save them. Maria just couldn't bear to think of what would happen to the boys if the Indians got there first. They had killed her sister, and the thought made Maria ride faster. But luckily, the Indians are slowed down by a ravine, and Maria pulls the boys onto her horse. Quickly, they ride while the other children and Heather make it to safety. But Heather is too far off to shoot them, so Maria stops and Daniel kills one of the Comanche's horse gaining on them. No they have time to quickly make it to the house. As fast as possible, they make it to the house and quickly lock the door to keep out the deathly arrows. But the Indians just wouldn't give up. Rebecca with an ax and Maria with a rifle, they all hid in the house waiting for the Indians. Through a tough battle with a lot of gun shots, Maria, Rebecca, and Daniel send the Comanches in a retreat.We like this part because it shows the braveness of the women, especially Maria. In our discussions, we mainly admire the men in the story, but their are some strong women in the story too. This part shows how brave and loving Maria is.Even though these kids werent Marias she still chose to go out and save them. She could have not risken her life and sat there and hoped for the best but no she went to save the kids. How courageous! We think she is a very strong character with a good heart. That took a lot of guts to fight against Indians for the children, instead of just hiding. I think the men respect Maria a lot more after this part. This part is also very suspensful and vivid. It was like you were really there! The author had you on the edge of your seat. SOOO INTENSE!!!!

Pictures:

Comanche Indians

Most people reading this book wont even consider this action Maria made as a main part of the book. To us it is because for once in this book it shows how strong and brave women actually are. Maria went out of her way to save children that werent even hers and risked her life in the process. As we were reading we just knew that this part of the book was extremely incredible. We knew right away that Maria- The Hero would be the part we would choose to write about.

By the way.... you can post about our page if you have any agreements or like this part of the book. Just go to our discussion. We want to know what you think!!! :)